A recent study from the University of Missouri School of Medicine suggests there is a potential alternative to solving smokers' cravings for cigarettes. Research shows that by using theta-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS) - powerful, rapidly changing magnetic pulses that influence brain activity - individuals may increase self-control, reduce cravings and, in turn, reduce cigarette consumption.

Researchers have found that theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS) can improve self-control, thereby reducing cravings for cigarettes and reducing the amount of cigarettes smoked. Research shows that people with nicotine dependence have different brain structures and functions than normal people, and these differences may affect their inhibitory control, making it harder for them to resist the urge to smoke.

Nicotine-dependent individuals tend to have significant differences in brain structure and function compared with healthy non-smokers. Research shows that people who smoke cause a reduction in gray matter in their brains, meaning they have fewer neurons and other cells in their brains.

Research suggests these differences may affect inhibitory control (IC), our control of automatic impulses and responses to stimuli -- what allows humans to stop impulsively reacting to something.

"If you have difficulty with IC, it will be difficult to avoid smoking when the urge arises because all the cues and situations in the environment can trigger cigarette-lighting behavior," said first author Brett Froeliger, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry.

TBS refers to the application of magnetic pulses to the brain in a train of three pulses. There are two forms: continuous TBS (cTBS) and intermittent TBS (iTBS). cTBS involves the repeated application of these three pulse trains over 40 seconds, while iTBS applies the same number of pulses irregularly over 190 seconds.

Magnetic stimulation has been used to treat other mental illnesses and disorders. cTBS has been experimentally tested to treat generalized anxiety disorder, while iTBS, which targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of the brain (the part of the brain responsible for cognitive processes), is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder.

The study, which involved 37 participants, mostly in their 40s, looked at the effects of cTBS and iTBS on the right inferior frontal gyrus. The researchers found that cTBS improved IC, while both cTBS and iTBS reduced cravings, thereby reducing smoking.

"Identifying treatments that improve IC may help reduce smoking and may help prevent ex-smokers from relapsing after trying to quit," Froeliger said. "Identifying treatments that improve IC may also help break the cycle of drug use in patients with other substance use disorders; however, further research is needed on the clinical value of TBS for the treatment of substance use disorders."